Avoid Getting Sick from the Nonstop News cycle

Overview

Following the conclusion of the 2018 mid-term elections and past controversies like the Kavanaugh hearings, new issues continue to dominate the news cycle, urging viewers to remain engaged endlessly.

How does the constant exposure to distressing news affect our mental health? Let's explore this topic.

The current political atmosphere is filled with heightened hostility on all fronts, fueled by a never-ending stream of loud outrage amplified by non-stop news coverage and constant social media updates. Alongside reports of disasters and emergencies, we are often led to believe that we are somehow connected to these events, with implications that these tragedies are politically influenced, whether by climate change or perceived governmental inaction.

Steven Stosny, PhD, a therapist from Maryland, coined the term 'Headline Stress Disorder' to describe the rise in general anxiety, worry, intolerance, and reduced frustration tolerance resulting from the overwhelming flood of distressing news.

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that seven out of ten individuals feel mentally exhausted by the overwhelming amount of news content available. Additionally, a study by the American Psychological Association revealed that two-thirds of Americans are anxious about the nation's future, with continuous news consumption being a significant stressor.

Graham Davey, a psychology professor at Sussex University, highlighted the negative effects of modern news consumption on mental well-being, attributing this to the evolution of news presentation and accessibility over the last two decades.

Our Inclination Towards Concern

Despite the stress caused by the constant news cycle, the human brain has an inherent attraction to negative information due to a phenomenon called "negativity bias," which is crucial for survival. While it is important to be attentive to genuine personal concerns, the current trend of excessive worrying can lead to unnecessary stress and disturbances in sleep patterns.

Five Approaches to Relieve Headline Stress

Control Screen Time: Establish limits on your news consumption to avoid endless scrolling and clicking. Test different time constraints to discover what works best for you.
Avoid News Before Sleep: Checking updates before bedtime can escalate anxiety and disrupt your sleep. Engage in a calming activity instead.
Counterbalance with Positive News: Offset distressing news with uplifting and motivating stories to maintain a balanced perspective. Start your day with positivity to enhance productivity.
Take News Breaks: Completely disconnect from news sources if needed to restore your mental well-being. Assign a trusted individual to update you on critical events.
Explore Traditional Media: Reading print newspapers may offer a more varied news diet compared to online platforms, providing a mix of headlines and positive content.

Monitoring News Intake

While staying informed is crucial, it is vital to recognize when news consumption begins to negatively impact your life. Implement strategies to regulate your exposure and uphold a healthy mental state.

Personal stories shared by the writer emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental well-being over continuous news consumption.

References

Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.